I recently spent two weeks aboard Holland America Line’s MS Oosterdam. The ship, part of the Vista class of ships, was built in 2003. It has a capacity of 1,964 guests — though I must assume that is based on two people per stateroom as our sailing had nearly 2,200 passengers. A staff of over 800 keep the ship running.
The Oosterdam is 936 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 82,000. There are 11 passenger decks (though most of the elevators go from A level up to Deck 9). It is considered a mid-sized cruise ship. Currently the largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 248,000 and is 300 feet longer.
There are three main public decks – Deck 2, 3, and 9. Deck 1 has Guest Services and the future cruises desk. Guest staterooms are on Decks 1, 4-8, and 10. I’ll highlight various portions of the public spaces below.
World Stage – Deck 1-3 Forward
Located at the front of the ship is the large theater. During our sailing, there was always plenty of room for any show that I attended; even for those arriving late.
Most evenings there was a show at 7:30 that was repeated again at 9:00pm. The Step One Dance Company is Holland America Line’s resident entertainment. They performed four different shows during the sailing.
Other entertainment included a comedian, flutist, singer, and pianist.
I’ve seen Step One on other Holland America cruises and they do a good job. The rest of the “main stage” entertainment left me unimpressed. Though I don’t think I am probably the target audience as the average age of passenger was in their mid-60s, with a lot of people in the 70+ range.
Music Walk – Deck 2
Holland America Line has their music walk on all their ships. These are a series of venues where live music is performed each night.
The first is Billboard Onboard, a piano lounge to the side of the casino. A solo pianist and singer performed a few times most nights from here. This is also the venue for daily trivia.
Next is the Rolling Stone Lounge. This venue was more geared towards rock music and dancing.
Oosterdam does not have a BB Kings. It did have Lincoln Center Stage for classical music, but that partnership was not renewed and the space is now used for the art auction and nightly game show.
Casino – Deck 2
The casino is located outside of the World Stage and next to Billboard Onboard. There is a selection of both table games and slot machines. The casino is 100% non-smoking.
Just behind the casino is the Gallery Bar. This is a new lounge space with some free table top games.
Pinnacle Grill & Bar – Deck 2
The premium dining option on the Oosterdam is the Pinnacle Grill — their up-charge steakhouse. I didn’t have any specialty dining included with my fare so I didn’t try it out.
Pinnacle Grill is located around the ship’s central atrium that is open from Deck 1 to Deck 3 and topped with a rotating globe.
Across from the Pinnacle Grill is the Pinnacle Bar where many people would congregate prior to dinner.
Dining Room – Deck 2 & 3 Aft
The Dining Room, where included breakfast and dinner is served every day, covers Deck 2 and 3 at the back of the ship. Oosterdam does not have a separate Club Orange Dining Room, but there is a separate host desk and you get priority seating near windows.
Reservations were not needed for any meal. Even had we not had Club Orange, I rarely saw a line for the “walk up” service.
All of the meals I had in the Dining Room were excellent. While I am sure that they prepare the items ahead of time, my food always seemed fresh and was served hot.
Library – Deck 3
The Oosterdam has an impressive library with multiple copies of many recent and classic books. Books are checked out on the honor system and guests are asked to return them before the end of their sailing.
Ocean Bar – Deck 3
Located around the upper portion of the mid-ship atrium is the Ocean Bar. Typically a band played during the evening with the music carrying through the atrium.
The next public deck is the Lido Deck – Deck 9.
Spa & Gym – Deck 9 Forward
At the front of the ship on the Lido Deck is the gym with views out over the front of the ship.
The rest of the forward section of Deck 9 is the spa area that includes a hydro pool (available for use for an additional fee) and a sauna (free for anyone).
Lido Pool – Deck 9
The Lido Pool is one of two pools on the Oosterdam. The Lido Pool has a retractable roof that allows the pool to be used in any climate.
In addition to the pool are three hot tubs. This pool area seemed to be most popular with kids and families. Any time I walked by there were kids splashing around in the pool. There are plenty of lounge chairs around the pool.
At the forward end of the pool are two ping pong tables.
At the opposite end is the Lido Bar and Dive In Burger that offers complimentary lunch and early dinner (closes at 6:30). There is also a taco bar set up near Dive In.
Lido Market – Deck 9
The buffet restaurant on the Oosterdam is the Lido Market. It is open on and off from early morning until late at night. There are various stations including salad bar, pizza and pasta, Asian, bread, main dishes, and dessert.
The Lido Market tended to be pretty crowded around meal times; especially at lunch when it was just about the only option for dining.
In one corner of the buffet is a section reserved in evenings for Canaletto; Oosterdam’s Italian specialty dining. While they have tried to make it separate, to me it felt like an extension of the buffet and I would not want to pay extra to eat there.
Sea View Pool – Deck 9 Aft
At the back of the Lido Deck is the second pool with two additional hot tubs. This area is open to the elements and during the summer in the Mediterranean, this area got quite warm.
During the day there were plenty of sun loungers available. In the evening they would add tables and chairs for outside dining from the Lido Market.
Sports Court – Deck 10/11 Aft
Overlooking the Sea View Pool is the Sports Court with basketball and pickleball.
Deck 10 has an unofficial walking track around the roof to the Lido Pool.
Crows Nest – Deck 10 Forward
At the front of Deck 10 is the observation lounge with the excursions desk and Explorations Cafe (coffee and bar).
There is a conference room area to the side where the arts & crafts sessions were held. There were also various puzzles and games available in the Crows Nest.
A model of the Oosterdam made out of Lego is on display.
Retreat – Deck 11
Above the Crows Nest is the Retreat, an area where you can rent a cabana. I never saw anyone in the Retreat — I’m guessing it is more popular on a tropical cruise. The very front of the ship on Deck 11 is listed as the Observation Deck on the Oosterdam map, but during my sailing it was reserved for staff to smoke.
While the Oosterdam is a smaller ship than many newer ships, there is still a ton to explore. I never felt that the ship was crowded even though it was over capacity. It was always easy to get on and off in ports. Oosterdam doesn’t have all the amenities you might find on other ships (like water slides or miniature golf) or the number of specialty dining venues. But the ship does the things that it does have very well.
Have you sailed on Oosterdam? Please share your experiences in the comments below.